Why do I keep trying ?

Got class A license 12/24.......... still no job.
Applied to everyone I could find and 98% do not even bother to respond.
Clean DMV, no criminal past.......the only thing I can think of is my age....
Seems my school does not wish to cooperate with the companies that request information but they were happy to accept the money to attend.
40+ years driving everything but big rigs in all kinds of weather and road conditions. NO accidents....
This has to be the most over regulated and under compensated industry in America, so I have to wonder why I keep trying.....would seek
professional mental help but alas there is no money.
England wants $550.00 to attend their orientation, Swift is Swift, Watkins/Shepard says that while I have already earned my class A my schooling was lacking, Gordon wants me to attend Advanced Driving school in Fontana
($ 787.00), Advanced wants me to sign a 8 month contract to drive team with CRST, if I do that the school is free....
Kinda thinking of getting a cardboard sign and a good corner.....
This is #### frustrating, aggravating, irritating and....... well the list goes on and on.
Really miss the America that was NOT run by the insurance companies.
Thanks for letting me rant....thought it would make me feel better.... but I was wrong.
Stay safe out there.

 

I wish that i could have known that america.

you got your license 4 days after me! I have only been working for a week now hauling soil suppliments locally for simplot. Its not much, but the hourly pay isn't too bad for being the area and being a bachelor.


the best advise that i have is to look towards agriculture. and if nothing else there isn't too terribly long before spring wheat for harvest if you think you can stay afloat through march.

 

You simply won't drive team with CRST? Not that I wouldn't understand!

 

You say Swift is Swift? I signed up with them and now have finished two weeks in my own truck. Sure, the pay is low, but it's a start somewhere. I turned 50 three days before I got my CDL A. I went to a good outside school and Swift was the best fit for me at the time. Did you check them out? I hear that you are golden after a year if you keep your nose clean as far as accidents, tickets and late loads are concerned

 

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This is quiet possibly one of the worst times to be looking, for a beginning driver. Especially one that is over 45 years old.... I'm about to turn 49.

Everyone, and I do mean everyone is looking to trucking to help them in their hour of need. And the companies are taking advantage, every way possible. They can sift through what they percieve to be "high risk" employees. And take the ones they think they can make the most from.

You might try pounding the pavement. Just drive around in some of the outlying areas...and look. There are still smaller outfits willing to give someone a shot. These companies traditionally like people who are older, stable, and have had time to "settle" in life. Many of the larger companies only want you when they can't find young minds to mold/break.

The main thing...DO NOT give up if this is what you really want to do. I see signs for drivers every day. So jobs are out there. And the requirements for many of those jobs, are not nearly as restrictive, as the larger companies.

 

good thread dance694u i finally got a foot in the door and i am going to take advantage of it and the best of luck to you papa

 

Age discrimination is illegal but it happens quite often and carriers have a marvelous way of getting around the law.

 

It might not be your age though. It is very hard right now to get on with any company let alone a "good" company. Starting off with no exp. is very difficult did you try WERNER. Not the greatest company but not the worst either. Alot depends on your trainer with them. Do not go to ENGLAND, they are a sham. You MIGHT have some luck with a smaller mom and pop but that could be tough because of the lack of exp. Good luck to ya driver. When you do start rolling keep up that great safety record you have.

 

Ask around with tour bus companies . Smaller ones might hire you if you get the passenger endorsement . I knew a driver for one that made good money on tips . He'd do casino runs and just before the people started getting back on the bus he'd put his hat upside down on the dashboard by the door and put a couple of $10 and $20 bills in it . He never failed to have passengers make pretty good contributions to it .

 

Ah I wouldn't exactly say that you are "golden " after one year of servitude. Two years will break down most of the barriers while one year takes out about half the barriers. But yes no tickets, no wrecks, no lates or anything else negative is probably the bigger asset you can have.